FDLPL Express to open Nov 17

The Fond du Lac Public Library’s first branch expansion is scheduled to open November 17. A grand opening for the 1,700-square-foot FDLPL Express, at The Shops at Johnson Crossing, is planned for Saturday, December 10.

The branch will feature a “to-go” collection of materials, emphasizing best sellers and new releases, a sizable children’s corner and materials to help with busy lives, featuring cooking, crafting, home repair and more. Patrons will be able to access the computer catalog, place holds and pick up materials.

FDLPL Express will replace the bookmobile parked in front of Festival Foods; the bookmobile’s last day will be Monday, November 14. The branch will be open 25 hours a week, including weekends, an increase of nine hours a week over the bookmobile schedule.

The branch, the first in the library’s 107-year history, is the culmination of a successful community fund-raising campaign and years of planning.

In just five months, the community contributed more than $55,000, with donations coming from private individuals, service organizations and businesses. The funds have paid for essentials such as shelving, carpeting and furniture.

“The support has been heartening,” said library Director Ken Hall. “It has allowed us to expand our services in a time of significant budgetary hardship. We could not open this historic expansion without the amazing support we have received.”

The express concept is one that libraries across the country are employing to help stretch strained budgets.

“With a pared-down, targeted collection, we can offer great service to the community at a much lower cost,” said Hall. “The main branch will remain our full-service library, and FDLPL Express and our St. Agnes Satellite will provide targeted collections with service and convenience.

“Bookmobiles made sense 50 years ago,” he said. “Today, having the public come to a fixed location allows us to serve more people at a lower cost. The parked bookmobile test showed us that the site was popular, especially with users from the northeast part of the county.”

The grand opening celebration on December 10 will feature activities for kids, refreshments and a major unveiling: an amazing new circulation desk designed and created by local volunteers.

FDLPL Express will be open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays; 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays.